Slap Shot by Chelsea Curto
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶
Chelsea Curto is one of those authors that could write an instruction manual for kitchen appliances and I would still read them.
I say this about all of her MMCs, but Hudson Hayes is my new favorite book boyfriend. He's a big tough hockey player, but is also kind, sensitive and romantic. In the beginning, he's looking for a new personal chef, which is where he meets out FMC, Madeline. Madeline is a single mother, who recently lost her job as head chef in a fancy Vegas restaurant. When a friend connects then, Madeline is hired, she ends up moving into Hudson's apartment with her daughter, Lucy, who just happens to be deaf.
I would consider this book a mild slowburn. Hudson and Madeline try to keep things professional, but quickly become friends, and then try their best not to become more than that. It's not the kind of slow that frustrates you because the characters can't get out of their own way. It's the kind of slowburn that lets the tension build until it erupts.
This book made me more emotional than I had anticipated. Not just because neither of Hudson or Madeline's backstories were all sunshine and rainbows, but because there were some incredibly precious scenes between Hudson and Lucy.
Overall, I 100% recommend this books to anyone who's in the mood for a hockey romance that will make you giggle, swoon, and cry.
#bookrevieweroflemon8 #hockey romance #readersoflemon8 #bookish #bookrecommendations
Okay, bookworms, I just have to gush about Chelsea Curto's Slap Shot a little more! After finishing it, I’m still buzzing. If you're anything like me and constantly on the hunt for your next favorite spicy sports romance, especially one featuring a swoon-worthy hockey player, then you need to pick this up immediately. Seriously, this book is a game-changer. What truly sets Slap Shot apart for me is the incredible blend of heart and heat. While many of us are searching for those juicy spicy chapters in our reads, this book delivers on that front without relying solely on it. The slow burn between Hudson and Madeline is exquisite. It’s not the kind of slow burn that makes you want to throw your Kindle across the room; instead, it's a delicious, tension-filled build-up that makes every touch and every shared glance feel earned and incredibly satisfying when they finally give in. It really adds to the emotional depth, making the spice even more impactful. And let's talk about the characters! Hudson Hayes is truly in a league of his own. He embodies that perfect blend of a tough, protective hockey player on the ice and a genuinely kind, sensitive, and utterly romantic man off it. His journey trying to win over Madeline, a strong and resilient single mom, is just beautiful to witness. But it’s not just their romance that shines; the found family aspect, particularly with Madeline's daughter, Lucy, is incredibly heartwarming. The ASL representation through Lucy is handled with such grace and care, adding a unique and meaningful layer to the story. Watching Hudson connect with Lucy and embrace her world truly melted my heart and made their little family feel so real and precious. It's not every day you find such authentic representation that enriches the narrative so profoundly. For those of you who appreciate an author who can craft characters you genuinely root for and a plot that keeps you hooked, Chelsea Curto has a real knack for it. Her writing style just pulls you in from the first page, making it easy to get lost in the story. If you're looking for other hockey romance books or spicy sports romance books, Slap Shot definitely belongs at the top of your TBR pile. It beautifully balances the excitement of professional sports with deep emotional connections and, yes, plenty of spice. Trust me, you'll be thinking about Hudson and Madeline long after you've turned the last page. It’s a definite five-star read for me, and I can't recommend it enough for a dose of warmth, passion, and pure book boyfriend material!
